We’re going to be a part of it: First Grade! First Grade!

Anyone who went to a kindergarten graduation last year probably heard this little ditty, sung to the tune of  New York, New York.

I will catch up with my blog and the doings of August. But I really wanted to get this blogged before the moment was gone. Riley started 1st grade today. He got on the bus and went off into the world. And mommy was a little sad. It’s hard to let them go. However he was so ready!

The bus was a little late dropping him off... and it sure was hot waiting for him. Now, if we can just get out of him what happened today… that would really be something! I friend of mine posted this poem on her blog which I thought was perfect for today:

First Day of School

He started school this morning,

And he seemed so very small.

As I walked there beside him

In the 1st Grade hall.

And as he took her place beside

the others in the class,

I realized how all too soon

Those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw him as

He first learned how to walk.

The words that we alone made out

When he began to talk.

This little boy so much absorbed

In learning how to write.

It seems as though he must have grown

To boyhood overnight.

My eyes were blurred but hastily

I brushed the tears away.

Lest by some word or sign of mine

I mar his first big day.

Oh how I longed to stay with him

And keep him by the hand

To lead him through the places

That he couldn't understand.

And something closely kin to fear

Was mingled with my pride.

I knew he would no longer be

A baby by my side.

But he must have his chance to live,

To work his problems out,

The privilege to grow and learn

What life is all about.

And I must share my little boy

With friends and work and play;

He's not a baby anymore-

He's in 1st Grade today.

Hope everyone had a great first day!

One Year…

One year ago today our dear mom, grandma and friend returned to heaven. I have trouble believing it’s been a year already. We miss her still, always. Emma I think has had the hardest time with it. She tells us every few days how much she misses her grandma a in heaven. They were really close. Joan truly loved her grandbabies.  And they loved her!

We miss you Joan! But I know you are watching over us. I’ve told Emma that her Grandma is always there, keeping her safe. It’s ok to miss Grandma, but isn’t it wonderful to know that we are a forever family and that we will see her again. I’m am so grateful for the gospel and the peace it brings. I’m grateful to have answers to the hard questions.  

Riley’s Fish

Around about January Riley and I made a deal. He’s teacher had been sending home a word ring. This is a ring that hold sight words. Sight words are commonly used words. Each group had 10 words to learn. In January Riley knew about 70 words. Riley also REALLY REALLY wanted his own pet. I said no to a cat or any kind of rodent. I also put my foot down on another dog. However, maybe we could do a fish. But this wasn’t something I was just going to give him. He had to earn it. I told him that if learned all of the word ring words he could have a fish. That’s 200 words. Riley worked really hard. But as school came to a close, he was still 20 words short. He was devastated. So, we made an amendment to our deal. He could still earn his fish, he would just need to pass of the 20 words with Grandma. It took him a little while, but he finally earned his fish and tank:

He also got a really cool tank:

Sadly, the fish passed away the day before Riley’s birthday. Poor guy. But we went to the store and for his birthday he got 3 new fish:

 

 

We got two goldfish, one orange and one gold. We also got a catfish type fish. She (for Riley told me that it is a she) cleans the tank for us.

If you look carefully at the bottom of the tank in the far back you can kind of see the little catfish. I was so proud of Riley. He reads really well. It’s so much fun to share books with him!

What happened to summer?

Ok, I’ve been a total slacker on with the blog! I have really struggled trying to be inspired to blog… don’t know why. It just is what it is. I’ve been really tired, and quiet time has been nap time for me. That and I’ve been spending my free time playing stupid video games… oops.

Anyway, summer vacation is almost over. Kind of sad about it. Kind of can’t wait. The end of summer means cooler weather should be on it’s way. Of course today it’s 110 outside.

So, what happened in July. I’m not really sure. I know it was pretty hot but not too bad. We had fun play dates with the Delvin family. Riley finally earned his word ring fish (stupid thing died the day before his birthday but that’s another post), got some cute clothes for my kids who all decide to grow at the same time, Allen got his dad’s pool blue, got a new niece, enjoyed Beka’s 4 hour naps… hmmm I think I really need to be better about updating my blog, the old memory isn’t what it used to be (BC, before children).

A few post to try to catch up. We have had a nice summer. July is gone and August is almost go too. Bye Bye Summer!